The Phoenix Decorating Company has been working with Lions Clubs International for several years now. They help turn float designs on paper into the beautiful floral works of art that drive down Colorado Blvd. on New Year’s Day.

Most decorations on the float are what Dancel calls “Live Florals” because they can deteriorate very quickly and lose color. This is why volunteers work long hours a few days before the parade in order to apply all the flowers and preserve the live florals.

The other decorations are called “dry decorations.” They are applied weeks prior to the event because they are non-perishable and last longer.

Teams of Lions and volunteers will work around the clock leading up to the parade in two shifts. The first shift goes from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., while the second shift runs from 3:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Dancel estimates that volunteers put in around 9000 man hours leading up to the float judging, which will take place on Dec. 31.